A man is tonight seriously ill in hospital after being rammed by a car after a row in an Oxford street.

Police confirmed they had launched an attempted murder investigation following the incident in Blackbird Leys.

Shoppers watched in horror as the man was left bleeding on the ground after the attack at about 6pm yesterday.

Witnesses said the victim and another man were fighting outside Ladbrokes bookmakers, in Blackbird Leys Road, when someone pulled out a knife with a 12in blade.

The man tried to cycle away, but was hit by a green car at the junction of Blackbird Leys Road and Cuddesdon Way. The car then sped away.

The victim — who has not been named, but is thought to live in Sorrel Road — was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

An ambulance service spokesman said he had suffered multiple injuries.

His condition was initially described as critical, but last night police confirmed the man was in a stable condition.

There have been no arrests in connection with the incident.

A witness, who asked not to be named, said: "I was walking around the corner and saw a big guy cycling away on a bike. Then and I saw a car ram into him.

"The man went over the bonnet and hit the ground. He jumped up but because his head was gushing blood, he fell to the ground again."

Witnesses in Blackbird Leys Road said trouble flared outside the bookmakers just before the incident.

They watched the brawl spread past Nash's Bakery and Branos takeaway and continue towards a nearby car park. Frightened shoppers and res- idents tried to hide. One member of staff said: "I did see a guy with a huge knife — it must have been about a foot long — so I stayed inside and didn't take a chance."

Another member of staff said: "There were two people fighting. I saw them come past the shop window, it was like a film. But I did not want to go outside."

Cuddesdon Way was closed between the junction with Blackbird Leys Road and Sawpit Road for about three hours, while police launched a hunt for the attacker.

Det Insp Simon Morton, leading the investigation, said two black men were fighting outside Blackbird Leys Road shops at about 5.30pm.

Shortly before 6pm there was a hit-and-run, he said.

Mr Morton said: "We believe it is the same men involved in both incidents.

"A green car collided with a man, aged in his 20s, and then left the scene.

"I appeal for anyone who saw any of these incidents to contact police immediately.

"We are stepping up patrols and would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to identify the person responsible."

Anyone with information should call Oxford CID on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.